Punishment of the Wicked In Light of The Cross

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To me, the biggest lie out of the Dark Ages is not that Sabbath was changed to Sunday, or that when you die you go straight to heaven. To me, no lie distorts the character of my loving heavenly father like the lie that sinners will be tormented throughout the endless ages of eternity. Fact is:

It is no arbitrary decree on the part of God that excludes the wicked from heaven; they are shut out by their own unfitness for its companionship. The glory of God would be to them a consuming fire. They would welcome destruction, that they might be hidden from the face of Him who died to redeem them. –Ellen White, Steps to Christ, page 17

Did you ever notice that Jesus did not tell the demons He could not be around them? The demons told Jesus they could not around Him! (For example, see Matthew 8:29.) So to the unconverted heart, the glory of God is hell, while to the converted heart God’s glory is paradise!

When the fire in Revelation 20:9 comes down out of heaven and consumes the wicked, that fire is the actual presence of God. God’s presence will be hell to those who hate Him, while it will be paradise to those who love Him. I believe this is why the Bible refers to an eternal fire. God is the eternal fire. But God’s love is not going to torture the wicked throughout eternity. God’s love will burn for eternity, but it will put sinners out of their misery instead of torturing them for eternity.

A skewed understanding of hell skews our understanding of God’s love and character, which is exactly what Satan wants. To properly understand the punishment of the wicked, like all other Bible teachings, we must look at it in the light of the cross. Please allow me to share a lesson from my series of In Light of the Cross Bible Study Guides:

The Punishment of the Wicked

Overview

The wicked will be destroyed by fire. The punishment will be everlasting, but the punishing will not. The wicked will die instead of being tormented for all eternity. See John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Obadiah 1:16, Matthew 10:28, Ezekiel 18:4, 20.

Importance of knowing the truth about the punishment of the wicked

The teaching of people being tortured throughout all eternity is the most satanic false doctrine of all! It totally misrepresents the love and character of God, making it impossible to love and know Him the way He loves and knows us.

Many churches use hell and fear as a motivation for doing good because they do not properly understand the love motivation. They do not understand the depths of Christ’s sacrifice in dying the second death. They seem to understand the cross to be a mere pain endurance marathon instead of seeing a Savior who was actually willing to say good-bye to life and heaven forever in order to save the world.

When the early church saw the depths of Jesus’ love and sacrifice it turned the whole world upside down! It changed everything. God’s love constrained, empowered and motivated the believers. And this love is the only motivation that will actually succeed today in transforming people. In Galatians 6, Paul writes of a faith that works by love, not a fear of punishment. In John 14, Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments,” not “if you don’t want to go to hell you better keep my commandments.” Followers of Jesus must uplift the cross and the truth about the cross at all times.

I have a friend who is involved in a prison ministry that visits a juvenile detention center. He told me that they had recently shared the truth about hell with the young men there and that the chaplain at the jail got very upset with him for letting the young men know that the punishment of the wicked is not an eternity spent in hell but rather death just like the Bible says in John 3:16 and Romans 6:23. The chaplain did not want the offenders to know the truth about the punishment of the wicked because he wanted the fear of being tormented for all eternity to motivate them to behave.

Young men in juvenile centers and people everywhere else need to know that there is a God who did way more than suffer for six hours on a cross. He faced the second death for them. He loved them more than He loved his own life. He loved them so much that when tempted to come down from the cross and go back to heaven He chose to die instead. Jesus stayed on that cross for the young men in the juvenile detention center because the thought of heaven without them was hell to Jesus!

When the love motivation receives its proper emphasis, it will accomplish so much more than fear motivation. Some people quote John 3:16 while preaching of an eternal torment of sinners, but that verse clearly says those who do not believe will perish instead of being tortured throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

Further study on the punishment of the wicked

What is the opposite of eternal life?

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

Those who don’t believe perish. They are not tortured for all eternity.

God did not kick Eve out of paradise just because she took a piece of fruit she was told not to. The serpent told lies about God’s love and interest in Eve’s welfare, that Eve and all mankind bought into. When Eve stopped believing in God’s love she stopped believing in her only Source of life. At the cross Jesus died for our sin of unbelief, and when we believe again in His love, we gain back the life we lost when stopped believing in His love. This is the message of john 3:16.

What is the wages of sin?

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NLT

Note that the wages of sin is not eternal torment in hell.

What becomes of the soul or person that sins?

For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die. Ezekiel 18:4 NLT

KJV says soul, NLT says person. Both the KJV and NLT make it clear that the entire soul or person dies in hell and will not be tormented throughout eternity.

How long does the devil have?

Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.” Revelation 12:12 NLT

The devil does not have eternity in hell or anywhere else. He has but a little time left to exist.

What will happen to the devil or Satan?

You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade.

So I brought fire out from within you, and it consumed you. I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All who knew you are appalled at your fate.You have come to a terrible end, and you will exist no more.” Ezekiel 28:18-19 NLT

Satan, like all sinners, will be annihilated and exist no more.

What happens to both body and soul in hell?

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 NLT

Neither soul nor body are tortured throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Both are destroyed.

What is the final end of the wicked?

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Malachi 4:1-3 NLT

There will be nothing left of the wicked – nothing but ashes.

What does the lake of fire stand for?

Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. Revelation 20:14 NLT

What is God’s promise?

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”Revelation 21:3- 4 NLT

Sinners cannot be eternally tormented in light of the promise that there will be no more pain. The promise is unconditional.

Can we trust that promise?

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 NLT

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Fantastic post William.

There is definitely need to re-examine beliefs like this one that have become entrenched within Christianity that, in actuality, reflect the nature and character of Satan rather than the true nature and character of God.

In support of what your post has raised, could it be that the concept of 'fire' in relation to the ending of 'sinners' has been literalised - when it was meant to be metaphorical? The verses and quotes you shared would suggest this possibility.

Another curious Bible passage on this topic is Isa 33:15 which outlines the nature and character of those who will "live with everlasting burning" (Isa 33:14).

Isa 33:14-15 is actually suggesting it is the righteous who will spend eternity living amid everlasting burning! Hence, the fire of God must be something other than literal fire - meaning fire is being used as a metaphor to teach something of the nature and character of God.

One idea I have read that makes sense is that, aside from the horror of fire, when you consider fire more innocently, it's nature and 'character' is to engulf something and to change that something into its own likeness (ie, the likeness/nature/character of the fire). Some of the dimensions of that change are refining and purifying(refiner's fire), and transformation into a source of light. These metaphorical aspects certainly match the nature and character of God and how God's nature and character manifests in transformation into likeness for those who are willing to share that same nature and character.

It is interesting that people will sit around a campfire/log fire of an evening and find it a very relaxing experience to stare into the flames. Yet, because of the Satanic doctrine of burning people alive at the end of this world, we recoil from considering fire in the way I believe it was meant to be considered.

So, perhaps the next time you are sitting around a log fire or campfire, watch how the flames transform the pieces of timber from lifeless, 'dark' pieces of wood to glowing white-tipped coals that come 'alive' to now emit beautiful light (and warmth).

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Comments

Punishment of the Wicked In Light of The Cross — 13 Comments

Randall Potter on June 7, 2013 at 5:43 pm said:

Amen, brother. The true light of the character of God needs to be made known. EGW said, It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth. {COL 415.3}

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Collin Blake on June 7, 2013 at 6:26 pm said:

Wow I love it; beautiful. I'll send this to a Sabbath-keeping friend of mine (non-Adv) who he and all his family would love to know more about this 🙂 Thanks William

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Newton Shaw on June 7, 2013 at 11:02 pm said:

As stated, it boils down to: what motivates people more? Love or Fear? When the AIDS epidemic took over Africa in the early and mid 90s, alarmed health authorities/professionals distributed graphic, extremely-horrific pictures the patients, victims of the disease. I was in Africa back then. They came to our school and passed around flyers specifically designed to instill fear (in sexually-active young men so they’ll keep their snakes in its cage.) And, it worked. But only for about two weeks or so. The reason, I believe, is because fear is an emotion. In fact, Wikipedia defines fear as “an emotion induced to a perceived threat.” And emotions fade away after a certain period. Love, on the contrary, is more than just emotions. It’s a principle. It’s a relationship. It’s selflessness. You see, the Devil holds PHD in human psychology (he’s been studying it for 6000 yrs.) He knows what motives us permanently (love) and what gives us the illusion of “relationship” (the fear factor.) A lot of Christians lose their faith and leave the church as soon as they discover the house they built “on sand” get destroyed as a result of the rain, flood and wind of life. In fact, I have a cousin who became an atheist after his wife, “his true love,” filed for a divorce on him. So, Love is the only force that can keep a Christian grounded in his faith in spite of the tsunamis of life. As the hymn goes:

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

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kapeya chibamba on June 8, 2013 at 2:40 am said:

Love is indeed a great weapon against the devil...the love of God is greater far than widest or deeps sea. I thank God every day for his love.

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kapeya chibamba on June 8, 2013 at 2:48 am said:

God is too loving to allow hell to burn forevr, jst like a stain on a plan piece of white paper, hell can be a dent in Gods perfect word...he can not allow hell to burn forevr, God will distroy sin n its root for good, once and for all.

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Andrew Legall on June 8, 2013 at 6:20 am said:

I did not even read past the fourth paragraph.

Hallelujah!

You keep promoting the beautiful character of God!

(Now I'm off to read the rest...)

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goran bosanac on June 8, 2013 at 6:51 am said:

Great text. I now understand that topic. God is everlasting fire! It explains all.

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JoAn McCray on June 8, 2013 at 9:53 am said:

I'm so glad to have read this today! Happy Sabbath to all! Its so refreshing to know and be reminded of how Great God truly is. To Love Him is to serve Him. How blessed I feel today to finally have a true understanding of Heaven and Hell because we are programed to believe that if we do or don't do specific things that we will be tortured in Hell. I've always pondered this and so thankful for the clarification on the subject. People deserve to know the truth about God's never failing love for all of us. The misconception of Heaven and Hell will continue to be the cause of so many being turned away from God simply because so many just don't understand. Now that I think about it, that's truly how this world operates now. So many lies have been told that when people search for the truth, they don't know what to believe anymore!!! I encourage all of us to always be reminded of John 3:16 and pass it on!!!! God Bless!!

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Eric Hillis on June 9, 2013 at 6:43 am said:

Thanks Randall for pointing me to this thread.

I agree with the main points of this post.. and would also like to point out that Isaiah 33:14-15 says almost exactly the same thing, so I was surprised it was left out. It says that those hating righteousness are full of fear asking themselves "who can dwell in the eternal burning fires?", and the answer comes to them.. those who love righteousness, and hate iniquity, they will be the ones who will dwell there, with God.

Isa 33:11-12 seem to indicate that it is the "fire" of the wicked people's own spirit (breath) that will burn them.. which I would interpret as their own consciences. Maybe I'm wrong here, but maybe it has to do with an understanding of the difference between physical fire destroying dead bodies after "spiritual fire" destroys their living "spirits", and what is spiritual fire composed of? I've heard it suggested that this is composed of Love and Truth.

Thanks for the post!

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H. Lee on June 10, 2013 at 10:33 am said:

I thank you for this article. I brings understanding and finality to the demise of the wicked. If there was an eternal punishment it would give credence to our enemy's claim of the immortality of the soul. By the way, when Jesus was on the cross bearing the totality of sin did His Father go after Him with a flamethrower? I believe that when Jesus returns after the millennium and reveals to all what sin really is, the price God and His son paid for saving man from sin and their motivation for saving man, the wicked will understand that their character is not fit for heaven. They will see that sin separated them from God just like it separated Jesus from His father on the cross. God has respected the freedom and power of choice of all His created beings from the beginning and I believe that He will do the same in the end. The wicked will ask for mercy and God will show them mercy by revealing His glory to them which will destroy them and end the conflict eternally.

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Eddie Armstrong on June 14, 2013 at 2:31 pm said:

I heard of a preacher who said if you take away the fear of unending torture in hell, then the sinner will not be motivated to repent. Of course, this man does not understand the power of God's love and sacrifice. The motivation for repentance that leads to eternal life is initiated by the Holy Spirt as the sinner encounters and beholds the forgivness and love of God demonstrated through Christ and the cross of calvary. Jesus promised to draw all men if He is lifted up. Here is the motivation for repentance that leads to eternal life. If Jesus gives a "measure of faith" to everyone who comes into the world, He has something to tap into for conviction when a sinner gets a glipse of a perfect Lord willingly dying for their sins. It is with loving kindness that he draws all mankind not a fear of torture. Jeremiah 31:3

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Betty on June 23, 2013 at 12:26 pm said:

[Moderator note: please use first and last names when commenting on this site. Thanks!]

Wow! what a fundemental that has been exposed! I wish many of the believers will look at judgement in the in light of the cross, not one will lose sight of the love of God demonstrated on the cross.

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Phil van der Klift on November 27, 2018 at 12:47 pm said:

Fantastic post William.

There is definitely need to re-examine beliefs like this one that have become entrenched within Christianity that, in actuality, reflect the nature and character of Satan rather than the true nature and character of God.

In support of what your post has raised, could it be that the concept of 'fire' in relation to the ending of 'sinners' has been literalised - when it was meant to be metaphorical? The verses and quotes you shared would suggest this possibility.

Another curious Bible passage on this topic is Isa 33:15 which outlines the nature and character of those who will "live with everlasting burning" (Isa 33:14).

Isa 33:14-15 is actually suggesting it is the righteous who will spend eternity living amid everlasting burning! Hence, the fire of God must be something other than literal fire - meaning fire is being used as a metaphor to teach something of the nature and character of God.

One idea I have read that makes sense is that, aside from the horror of fire, when you consider fire more innocently, it's nature and 'character' is to engulf something and to change that something into its own likeness (ie, the likeness/nature/character of the fire). Some of the dimensions of that change are refining and purifying(refiner's fire), and transformation into a source of light. These metaphorical aspects certainly match the nature and character of God and how God's nature and character manifests in transformation into likeness for those who are willing to share that same nature and character.

It is interesting that people will sit around a campfire/log fire of an evening and find it a very relaxing experience to stare into the flames. Yet, because of the Satanic doctrine of burning people alive at the end of this world, we recoil from considering fire in the way I believe it was meant to be considered.

So, perhaps the next time you are sitting around a log fire or campfire, watch how the flames transform the pieces of timber from lifeless, 'dark' pieces of wood to glowing white-tipped coals that come 'alive' to now emit beautiful light (and warmth).

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Reply ↓

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